The Tower of London

The name Tower of London suggests that there might be one tall, tower-like building to explore, but this is not the case. It consists of an entire complex of buildings, including some foundations from Roman times. The original keep was started in 1078 and housed the ruling monarch of that time.

There are fortified walls and this is where the moat used to be. It has a long and bloody history, having been the site of imprisonments, tortures and many public beheadings.

The best way to learn about the place is in the company of a Beefeater. Our guide was a very knowledgable and entertaining ex-army sergeant called Dicky.

Preserved 500 year old graffiti, carved into the walls by prisoners who were locked up in cold, dark tower chambers awaiting their fate, which was usually beheading by axe. The heads were then pushed onto long spikes and displayed along the streets of London as a warning to others who wanted to push the boundaries in those good old days.

Here is the place where the crown jewels are kept - a stunning array of precious gems, tableware and ceremonial items and of course, diamond and jewel encrusted crowns.